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Roughnecks Claim Black Gold Derby

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/12/17, 10:33PM EDT

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Svantesson’s goal lifts hosts to 2-1 victory against Energy FC


Photo courtesy Lori Scholl / Tulsa Roughnecks FC

TULSA, Okla. – Tulsa Roughnecks FC claimed the Black Gold Derby series for the first time with a 2-1 victory against OKC Energy FC on Saturday night at ONOK Field. Ian Svantesson scored his 10th goal of the season, which proved to be the winner, in the 55th minute to give his side its second victory of the week. OKC almost took the lead as Alex Dixon’s low cross toward the far post from the right was turned home by an offside Jose Angulo, but Tulsa hit the front in the 20th minute as Joey Calistri got into the left channel and tried to cut back to Ian Svantesson. The ball deflected off an OKC defender, but Joaquin Rivas was on hand to fire home from 15 yards for the Roughnecks. Energy FC went close to an equalizer 10 minutes as Coady Andrews’ header from a corner by Jose Barril was saved by Fabian Cerda on a wicked in-swinging corner. Calistri went close, but fired wide, for the Roughnecks in the 37th minute as Tulsa almost regained the lead, but less than a minute into the second half OKC had its equalizer as Barril was brought down in the penalty area, and Angulo tucked away his finish from the spot. The Roughnecks didn’t take long to respond, however, as a deep cross from the left by Jorge Luis Corrales found Svantesson for a header at the back post that he cushioned back across goal for his 10th goal of the season. OKC came back, and Miguel Gonzalez forced a good save by Cerda with a powerful header. The Roughnecks almost added to their lead as Svantesson was denied by OKC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi with four minutes to go, while Rivas fired a good low shot to force another save three minutes later, but neither chance was required as the side held firm for a historic victory.

Scoring:
20’ – TUL – Joaquin Rivas
47’ – OKC – Jose Angulo (penalty)
55’ – TUL – Ian Svantesson (Jorge Luis Corrales)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The Roughnecks might have caught a break early on when an early Energy FC goal was ruled out for offside, but the team’s defense put in a strong performance against OKC’s attack throughout the night to limit the clear looks on goal for their Black Gold Derby rivals, and in turn allow the side to take victory. Being able to control some tempo in possession, giving the side breaks in pressure also helped the side, especially as it came under intense pressure late on as Energy FC looked for an equalizer.

  • 2. Energy FC’s willingness to shoot players forward into attacking positions was rewarded with a penalty kick in the opening minute of the second half, but overall the side’s struggles in front of goal returned as while Roughnecks goalkeeper Fabian Cerda produced a pair of good saves on the night, OKC will likely feel it didn’t make the most of the chances it created. Now below its in-state rival in the standings, and with the chasing pack getting close in the Western Conference, the pressure is back on to get another strong run of form going to ensure a postseason berth.

  • 3. The Roughnecks entered Thursday night’s game with Saint Louis FC knowing they faced an essential two games on home turf. After two victories, and claiming the Black Gold Derby’s Championship Wrench in the process, the side is now looking in good position to reach the postseason for the first time in its history as it heads to face another big game on Tuesday night against Orange County SC. Two consecutive wins against its biggest rival will also add to the feeling between the teams moving forward, with this having the potential to be one of the best rivalries in the league.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Jorge Luis Corrales, Tulsa Roughnecks FC – Corrales provided a perfect assist for Svantesson’s goal, and also completed 52 of 58 passes while logging two tackles and two interceptions defensively.

Upcoming Games:
Tulsa Roughnecks FC
at Orange County SC – August 15, 10:30 p.m. ET, Orange County Great Park
OKC Energy FC vs. San Antonio FC – August 19, 8:30 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium

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